The World Federation of Trade Unions, representing over 110 million workers in 134 countries, firmly stands in solidarity with all the workers who courageous support the heroic Palestinian people and their relentless struggle and salutes the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a maritime mission mobilizing over 300 people and 50 ships from 44 nations that departed on August 31st form Spanish ports committed to breaking the siege imposed on Gaza and bringing humanitarian aid and concrete solidarity to the Palestinian people. The evening before departure, a demonstration of 50,000 people marched in support of the Palestinian people and the Global Sumud Flotilla.

This initiative is taking place in a period that Israel weaponizes starvation and uses famine as a war tactic, and in light of the ongoing Israeli military operation with the declared aim of the full occupation of Gaza and the completion of systemic ethnic cleansing. The WFTU salutes the active role played by the USB dockworkers in the collection and the participation of their representatives who left with the flotilla, while the USB dockworkers of Genoa have committed: everything that has been collected must reach the people of Gaza. The international class-oriented trade union movement demands:  no one should touch the Flotilla.

The WFTU also pays tribute to the dock workers in Italy, Greece, France, and other major ports who, under the guidelines of the WFTU affiliates, refused to load weapons and military equipment destined for Israel. These acts of workers’ resistance are a powerful expression of class solidarity and internationalism.

The international class-oriented trade union movement intensifies its struggle against the Israeli armed campaigns and aggression against Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, for the end of occupation and settlements in the occupied Arab territories, guarantee the right of return for the refugees, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Palestinian people and workers, under siege and under fire, continue to resist with dignity. The WFTU firmly and principled stands by their side. Their struggle is our struggle.